Staten Island Divorce Lawyer – Erin K. Colgan, P.C.

No matter which type of divorce you want to pursue, there are criteria you must meet before you can file for divorce in New York, including:

• You must have been married in New York, and one spouse has lived in the state for at least one year
• You lived in New York as a married couple, and either spouse has lived in the state for at least one year
• The grounds for divorce arose in New York, and you or your spouse have lived in the state for at least one year
• You or your spouse have lived in the state for at least two years

Filing for divorce or separation is an immensely personal decision. You likely feel vulnerable during this emotionally overwhelming time. Although you might think you can navigate the process alone, filing for divorce can be complicated and time-consuming. You need a skilled Staten Island divorce attorney to help you sort through your legal options and protect your rights.

Many couples in Staten Island fear they cannot afford to divorce. After considering ownership of property, accrual of retirement benefits and the cost and expense of children, you should look at legal counsel as an investment needed to protect what you have worked hard for. Your children also deserve sufficient support and time with the other parent. An experienced attorney will help you accomplish this most effectively, and at Erin Colgan Law, we will help you work within your budget so that you get the divorce done right.

At Erin Colgan Law, we are committed to offering you our full attention and dedicated service. We understand how difficult divorce can be for you and your family. We aim to give you sound legal advice and compassionate support. We also want to help you achieve the most positive result possible.

New York recognizes both fault-based and no-fault divorces. Under no-fault, parties may divorce after an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage for six months or more. Fault-based reasons include adultery, cruelty, abandonment, or imprisonment. As your Staten Island divorce lawyer, we ensure that the specific grounds for your divorce are clearly established and represented within legal filings, adhering strictly to New York divorce law.

No, New York law does not mandate separation before filing for a divorce. However, couples can opt for a legal separation agreement, which is a route some choose to take before deciding on a divorce. Our family law firm can help draft a separation agreement that protects your interests, whether you eventually decide to divorce or not.

The cost of a divorce in New York varies widely based on whether it’s contested or uncontested and the complexity of the case. Fees include court costs, attorney fees, and expenses related to custody and property evaluations. As experienced Staten Island divorce attorneys, we provide a clear outline of potential costs from the outset, ensuring transparency.

New York does not have a specific duration of marriage requirement for alimony, known as spousal support. The decision is based on several factors including the length of the marriage, each party’s income, and future earning capacity. Our firm expertly navigates these considerations to advocate for a fair spousal support agreement.

The timeline for a divorce in New York can range from a few months for an uncontested divorce to several years for a contested case. The duration largely depends on the complexity of the issues and the speed with which both parties can reach agreements. As your divorce mediation lawyers, we work diligently to streamline the process and reduce the time to resolution.

Couples often choose divorce mediation to avoid the adversarial process of a court divorce. Mediation allows for a more amicable resolution and can be more cost-effective and quicker than traditional litigation. As skilled mediation attorneys, we facilitate negotiations that respect both parties’ interests, aiming to achieve a mutually agreeable settlement without the need for contentious court battles.